New Delhi: Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino engaged in an interactive session with students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in New Delhi today, sharing his experiences in space and offering insights into the future of space exploration. During his visit, Massimino also explored the school’s advanced learning facilities, including the AR-VR Lab, Atal Tinkering Lab, and the language lab.
Commending India’s recent space achievements, Massimino praised the Chandrayaan-3 mission, highlighting its significance for both India and the global space community. He emphasized the challenges of landing on the Moon’s South Pole and how this breakthrough could provide valuable insights into water sources, a key factor for future habitation on the Moon. Stressing the importance of international collaboration in space missions, he encouraged students to consider careers in science and technology.
Sharing his personal journey, Massimino revealed that a film about seven astronauts inspired him to pursue a career in space. Students eagerly asked about his experiences, including food in space, sleeping arrangements, and working in zero gravity. He explained how astronauts adapt to microgravity and how AI is playing an increasing role in space exploration, making missions more efficient and cost-effective.
Addressing students’ questions about the most challenging project he worked on at NASA, Massimino spoke about his missions to service the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002 and 2009. When asked about human habitation on Mars, he acknowledged that while living on the Moon might be a reality in the near future, settling on Mars remains a long-term challenge due to technological hurdles.
Massimino, currently a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University and a senior advisor for space programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, holds a PhD from MIT and has previously worked with IBM, NASA, and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. A veteran of two spaceflights, he was the first astronaut to tweet from space and has received multiple awards, including NASA Space Flight Medals and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
The event was attended by senior Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan officials, including Joint Commissioner Somit Shrivastava, Deputy Commissioner B.K. Behra, and Delhi Region Deputy Commissioner S.S. Chauhan, along with other dignitaries. The session left students deeply inspired, reinforcing their enthusiasm for space exploration and scientific discovery.
